Winding Up Our Spiritual Clocks

By Elder Dean L. Larsen of the Seventy

(Adapted from an October 1989 general conference address. See Ensign, November 1989, pages 61–63.)

Service to Others, Scripture Study, Daily Prayers

Let your time be devoted to the studying of the scriptures (D&C 26:1).

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On the wall of our kitchen hangs a clock. Every seven or eight days I have to wind it up with a key. If I don’t, the clock begins to lose time. Its chimes become sluggish and off-tone. Finally it stops until it is rewound.

Sometimes when I’m winding this clock, I think about how good it would be if I could return my body to its youthful vigor so simply.

To some degree, I can restore my body through exercise, rest, and healthy food. I realize, however, that my physical clock is gradually winding down. One day it will stop.

Another “clock” also operates within me. It is my spiritual clock. This one doesn’t have to fail. With proper attention and regular care, it can grow more vigorous every day. But this is not automatic. It, too, needs regular winding to stay in time and keep its true tone.

How do we wind our spiritual clocks? President Ezra Taft Benson has emphasized the study of the scriptures, especially the Book of Mormon. There is power in the scriptures. Scripture study, combined with daily prayer and service to others, will help keep our spiritual clocks running strong and true.